International feel to 30th Blairgowrie Ner'er Day Fun Run

463 participants included runners from throughout Scotland, the UK, Europe and the Middle East

Organiser of the 2014 Blairgowrie Ne'er Day Fun Run Bob Ellis addresses walkers and dogs before the start of the walk

There was an international feel to the record-breaking 30th annual Ne’er Day Fun Run and Walk in Blairgowrie.

Organisers have said that a total of 463 participants enjoyed themselves on the day, including people from throughout Scotland, the UK, Europe and the Middle East

As well as the athletes taking part in their first competitive race of the year, many East Perthshire residents walked or ran the four-mile-long route, with dozens of children and dogs – and even two owls – taking the opportunity to work off some of the excesses of the festive season.

Anna Wilkie (11) from Coupar Angus was the winner of the girls’ race, finishing in a time of 36 minutes.

She said: “I can’t believe I won! I used to be a rubbish runner but I’ve been training with my mum, dad, little brother and our dog. This is the third year we’ve run this now and I’m so excited to have won.”

Conditions were near perfect for the event, which organiser Bob Ellis was very grateful for.

Councillor Ellis explained: “One thing that race directors always look at in the run up to their race is the weather forecast.

“I don’t know how many times I studied it on the television and on various websites but it looked like the rain would start to come down at the back of 2pm – which it did. Fortunately, all the gathered runners and walkers had finished by then.

“It was fantastic to see so many people turn up on the morning after the night before.

“Some just put their heads down and went for it, while others took a leisurely stroll, pushing buggies. It was just great to see everyone enjoying themselves despite the cold, clapping and cheering on the lead runners as they went past.”

This year saw a change in venue, with registration at the Angus Hotel and the official start line at the VisitScotland Information Centre in the Wellmeadow.

The prize-giving and sweetie throw also took place in the Angus, and soup and refreshments were also provided.

And, to mark the event’s 30th anniversary, an Orcadian strip the willow was held to round off a successful day.

Perthshire North MSP John Swinney is a regular participant in the Blairgowrie Ne’er Day Fun Run and was pleased to finish the new route in under 35 minutes.

Some participants donned fancy dress for the event while many opted for traditional kilts and tartan - and Eric Rennie and Sylvia Simpson from Perthshire Sporting Plus completed the walk with two of their owls, Bob Marley and Chakko.

Some of the guests at the Angus Hotel also took part in the walk. Heather Reese, Julie Timson and Sue Smith from Peterborough were staying in Blairgowrie with their husbands for Hogmanay and told the Blairie that they had “thoroughly enjoyed the event”.

Councillor Ellis thanked all the participants for turning up, as well as the team of organisers behind the event, including the Kerr family, the Watson family and both of the Martin families who made sure that all participants were registered, and marshalled and staffed the finish line and compiled the results.

He also thanked the Ellis family and staff at the Angus Hotel who provided and served the refreshments before and after the event, piper Calum Patterson, and Blairgowrie police officers for their support.

He added: “So now we look forward to January 1, 2015 and the 31st event. With a total of 463 turning out this year, wouldn’t it be great to see us reach 500 next year?”